Police target gang members in Kaitaia

Police executed a number of search warrants targeting gang members in Kaitaia yesterday morning.

The gang targeted was the Tribesman Motorcycle Gang with two addresses searched.

Following the searches a 21-year-old man was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of ammunition and a 15-year-old boy was arrested on a warrant for failing to appear in court.

A 48-year-old man, who was breaching bail relating to several drug charges when police turned up on his door step, is now in custody after turning himself in. The charges include possession and supply of methamphetamine and possession of equipment used to manufacture methamphetamine.

Kaitaia Police staff were assisted by the Armed Offenders Squad and the searches were carried out to disrupt the gangs and prevent any gang activity escalating.

Far North Area Commander Inspector Wendy Robilliard says the people targeted in the search warrants were serious violent offenders. Some had been using stand over tactics involving firearms.

"This is why we use the AOS to support our frontline staff when dealing with these offenders."

Ms Robilliard says Police and the Kaitaia community will not tolerate the criminal activities of these gangs, so gang members can expect Police to keep knocking on their doors to put a stop to their offending.

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